Defileul Crişului Repede

On Monday morning (07.08.2017), I have a cup of coffee with the people from Kaiserslautern before Maria and Marco go their separate ways. Since Rango's paws have suffered from walking on the heated asphalt in the last two days, I decide to stay at the campsite for one or two days. In the morning, I set up the cave (Peştera Caprei) and do some research about the area on the internet. By chance, I ended up in a national park between Vadu Crişului and Şuncuiuş, called Defileul Crişului Repede. The area is characterized by the river valley of fast Kreisch with its steep slopes and many karst caves. Near Peştera Vadu Crişului, there is a small waterfall that serves as a source of drinking water and refreshment for the next few days - the water is ice cold. After settling in the accommodation, I go fishing in the river in the late afternoon, but unfortunately without success. Before dinner, I climb up to Peştera Vantului, which is located a few meters above our campsite. This cave is even larger than Peştera Caprei. I spend the evening by the fire in front of the cave. I wonder when was the last time people lived here permanently?

Tuesday starts with a shock as the Dicke cannot lift its hindquarters without help, it seems paralyzed. After some massage and stretching, he walks somewhat normally and we take a short walk together. In the morning, Marco visits briefly and the Dicke still cannot move properly. I mentally prepare for a longer stay and Marco is also not optimistic about a timely departure. I spend the day shopping in Vadu Crişului, collecting firewood, and fishing in the late afternoon. Once again, spinning fishing yields no success (two nibbles, but they were barely bigger than my spinner). In the evening, I gather a few small worms to try fishing again the next day.

The next morning, I take a very short bath at the waterfall. Then, according to Marco and Maria's recommendation, I try to sneak into Peştera Vadu Crişului, but there is already guided public traffic inside. So, I go to the river to soak my worms, but once again, I am unsuccessful. In the afternoon, Maria, Marco, and Alma come by, and since the Dicke is full of energy again and running on all fours, the five of us go deep into Peştera Devantului. In the evening, I try my luck at fishing in the river again... it just doesn't want to happen here.

I spend Thursday morning doing some organizational tasks (washing clothes, greasing leather equipment, mending clothes, etc.). In the afternoon, I set off on a small tour along the ridge of the river valley to Belvedere Peletele Melcului and other beautiful viewpoints. After about 3 hours, I am back at Rango near the cave, enjoying the cool air outside. Since the temperatures have been high summer-like, ranging from 30°C to 35°C, since Tuesday, a feeling of nostalgia arises as we are leaving the next day.

On Friday morning (11.08.2017), I wake up for the first time around six o'clock and take off my laundry - it looks like rain. Luckily, it stays dry, and I have breakfast outside the cave. While washing the dishes, the water level rises rapidly and one pot threatens to float away. I have to go into the water with my hiking shoes to retrieve it. In the afternoon, I pack up our stuff and walk along the river valley to Şuncuiuş. Part of the way, the hiking trail follows the railway line. Now it becomes clear why the trains honk so regularly here. The situation in the railroad tunnel seems a bit adventurous, but thanks to clever markings on the tunnel wall and regular notches, it appears to be well thought out. In Şuncuiuş, I restock our food supplies and try to withdraw some cash. However, it fails due to a lack of electricity. I decide to set up my tent shortly after the town, at the junction to Peştera Moanei, and try my luck at the ATM again the next day before continuing my journey. The cash reserves have shrunk to just under €10, and my planned route takes me through sparsely populated areas.